Patient dies of bacterial meningitis

BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio (WDTN) - A Logan County mother is dead, another in critical condition after contracting bacterial meningitis. One of the victims was identified as 30-year-old Susan Simpson, a physical therapist from Huntsville, Ohio. Officials said Simpson died two days after giving birth to her child.

Staff at Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine said an internal investigation was now underway. Staff said both mothers got the infection after giving birth to their babies.

Both were flown to Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus when their conditions started to get worse.

"Our hearts go out to the families and their patients, certainly this difficult time. We have not had anything of this nature occur in the history, certainly that I'm aware of, of this hospital. We will continue to try to investigate from the bottom up what caused this bacteria," said Mandy Goble, President and CEO of Mary Rutan Hospital.

Hospital officials said both mothers were in separate rooms. They have now pulled all medications and supplies used on both the patients, and planned to interview every staff member and doctor involved in their care.

"We are conducting an investigation, and want to make sure all our patients are safe. We understand from Ohio Department of Health, there's nothing that can be transferred from patient to patient," said Goble.

Medical experts said bacterial meningitis was the most common form of meningitis, accounting for 80% of all cases. It is life threatening, and can cause the tissues around the brain to swell, interfere with blood flow, and result in paralysis or a stroke.

Hospital officials said they are working closely with the CDC and Ohio Department of Health to figure out how these patients contracted the disease.

"I want to assure the community that it is safe to come to Mary Rutan hospital and there is not risk for infection," said Goble.

Health officials say none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are contagious. Both babies have been transferred to Children's Hospital in Columbus for observation.